Setting Up Golu at Home This Navaratri: A Tradition of Art, Devotion, and Joy

Navaratri is here, and this year, I’m all set to bring a little extra sparkle to the festival by setting up my very own Golu display at home! If you’re not familiar with it, Golu (or *Bommai Kolu* in Tamil) is a delightful tradition where you set up a beautiful arrangement of dolls and figurines to celebrate the divine feminine during the nine nights of Navaratri. It’s a celebration of art, culture, and spirituality—and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of this festival.

If you’re wondering how to set up your Golu at home, or just looking for some inspiration, join me as I share my process, from choosing the dolls to lighting up the display. Here’s a peek into how I’m making this Navaratri extra special!

What is Golu, Anyway?

For me, setting up a Golu isn’t just about decorating the house. It’s about connecting with centuries-old traditions and stories. In simple terms, Golu is a colorful display of idols, usually arranged on multiple steps or tiers. The dolls typically depict gods and goddesses, mythological figures, and even scenes from everyday life.

Each year, I look forward to this time when I can pull out my family’s cherished collection of dolls (some of which are handed down from my grandparents) and create a beautiful display. The dolls represent the stories of the divine—Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and other gods and goddesses. It’s not only a form of devotion but also a wonderful artistic expression. Plus, there’s something incredibly comforting about the whole process—it feels like I’m carrying on a family tradition that spans generations.

Step-by-Step: How I Set Up My Golu

If you’re thinking about setting up your own Golu at home, here’s how I do it. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful!

1. Choosing the Right Spot

I usually set up my Golu in the dining hall balcony. You need a spacious area that can accommodate multiple tiers. The space should also be well-lit so the dolls can shine in all their glory, especially at night when the lamps are lit.

2. Arranging the Tiers

Golu is traditionally displayed on multiple steps or tiers—usually 3, 5, 7, or even more. This year, I’m going with a 5-tier display. Each tier tells a different story or theme:

I love playing around with the arrangement each year, so I usually spend a lot of time moving the dolls around until I get the perfect setup.

3. Selecting the Doll

Now comes the fun part! I use a mix of dolls and figurines from different sources—some are new, some are old, and many have sentimental value. This year, I’ve included:

The Deities: Goddess Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, along with a few other smaller figures like Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu.

Mythological Figures: Scenes from the Ramayana with Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana.

Traditional Life: A small village scene with people making pottery, selling vegetables, and a few animals like cows and elephants. 

Crafts and Dancers: I love adding a little folk art, so I have a few figurines of traditional dancers and musicians that always catch everyone’s eye! One of my favorite traditions is using dolls that have been passed down from my grandparents. Each of these dolls carries a piece of history and love, making my Golu display even more meaningful.

4. Decoration & Lights

Once the dolls are in place, I drape cloth around each tier. I prefer to use cloths because they add a lively touch to the display. To make everything pop, I add a bunch of fairy lights. When the lights are on, the whole Golu seems to come alive! The twinkling lights create such a warm, inviting atmosphere.

I also like to add a traditional *kolam* (rangoli) in front of the display to complete the look. Drawing a beautiful kolam is a family activity that we all enjoy doing together, and it always feels so festive when we add the final touches.

The Rituals and Customs I Follow During Golu

Golu isn’t just about setting up the display; it’s also about the daily rituals and prayers that we perform in front of it. Here’s what I do every day during Navaratri:

1. Daily Prayers & Offerings

Every evening, after lighting the lamps, we perform a small *puja* in front of the Golu. I offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets like *laddu* and *payasam* to the deities. We say our prayers, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and wisdom. 

2. Golu Darshan

One of my favorite parts of Navaratri is the tradition of *Golu Darshan*. We invite friends, family, and neighbors over to admire the Golu display. It’s always such a joyous time—everyone brings something, whether it’s a sweet treat or just a warm smile. I love hearing people share their memories of their own Golu setups and traditions.

3. Singing, Dancing, and Music

In the evenings, we sometimes sing devotional songs or play traditional music. During Navaratri, we often perform *kolattam* (a folk dance with sticks) and *garba*, which adds a festive flair to the evenings. It’s such a beautiful way to bond with family and celebrate the spirit of the festival.

4. Vijayadashami Celebrations

On the final day of Navaratri, or Vijayadashami (Dussehra), we conclude the Golu display with a small prayer of thanksgiving and immerse the idols (if they’re made of clay) in water, symbolizing the cycle of life and renewal. It’s a bittersweet moment because it means the festival is coming to an end, but the joy of having celebrated with loved ones lingers.

Why I Love Setting Up Golu at Home

For me, setting up Golu is more than just a decoration. It’s a way to celebrate my faith, reconnect with family traditions, and create new memories. It’s also a beautiful way to share the joys of Navaratri with others, from friends and neighbors to anyone who walks through our door.Each year, I look forward to this time, when the house is filled with the glow of lamps, the fragrance of flowers, and the sound of laughter and prayers. It’s truly a time for reflection, gratitude, and joy.

Happy Navaratri to All!

May this festival bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your home, and may Goddess Durga’s blessings be with you always!

What About You?

Are you setting up a Golu at home this year? I’d love to hear about your setup and any special traditions you follow. Feel free to share your photos, stories, or any tips you have for creating the perfect Golu display in the comments below!

Let’s make this Navaratri unforgettable!

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